Bound Volumes

May 26, 2022

210 YEARS AGO
One of the horses, which 17 years ago, in February last, drew the press and types on which the Otsego Herald first commenced, the property of John Noyes, Esq., late Sheriff of the county of Columbia, brought him and his son in a single wagon, to Otsego, on Wednesday last, and the Editor had the pleasure of entertaining them, and the veteran horse, which appeared plump and lively, aged from 24 to 25 years. His mate, 2 or 3 years older, was lately sold for 45 dollars, and is performing good service.
May 23, 1812

150 YEARS AGO
The sudden death of Mrs. Schuyler Crippen on Sunday night last has cast a gloom over our village and filled many hearts with sorrow. She was a woman of strong and well-balanced mind, cultivated tastes, and warm and generous sympathies; and her energetic character often — especially during the last year or two — led her beyond her strength in deeds of charity and benevolence. The poor, the sick, the unfortunate, ever found in her a kind and efficient friend, always ready to respond to their calls to the extent of her ability.
May 23, 1862

125 YEARS AGO
The Village Hall – The purchase of the rink lot, in addition to and adjoining that already owned by the corporation, seems to give quite general satisfaction. One of the questions now discussed is this — Shall the building be two or three stories high? Not only on account of looks, but also of present and future convenience, we are inclined to side with those who favor the latter. The cost would not be a great deal more than a two-story building, and it would present a much more imposing appearance.
May 27, 1887

110 YEARS AGO
A Baseball Monument? Dear Sir – I seek this medium of conveying to the people of Cooperstown the subject matter of the enclosed clipping from a recent issue of the Denver Post in which Mr. Abner Graves presents quite conclusive proof that the first game of baseball was played in 1840 within the sacred precincts of the Immortal James Fenimore Cooper. Of this fact humanity should be enlightened, and although it may serve to dim the luster of the memory of our beloved Cooper, the aforesaid precincts will become more than doubly sacred. (Editor’s note: The several varying accounts of Abner Graves as an authority on the origins of the National Pastime, have long since been discredited)
May 29, 1912

85 YEARS AGO
Cherry Valley will not be located on historic Route 20 when the state decides to reconstruct a section of the highway. This was indicated last week when Col. Frederick Stuart Greene, state superintendent of public works, insisted a by-pass be made in spite of objections. The proposed new road, about five miles long, will be surveyed soon, and will probably be put on the state highway map in 1938 for early construction. The new road will eliminate travel through the village of Cherry Valley, and the bypass will shorten the route and overcome several curves. The residents of Cherry Valley, including men, women and children, have put forth the slogan “Route 20 Shall Not Pass.” “Must there be another Cherry Valley Massacre,” returning our community to a country hamlet instead of an historic summer resort” they ask? What would the Cherry Valley Turnpike be without Cherry Valley,” they ask.
May 26, 1937

36 YEARS AGO
Hats and britches, nighties and peplums are being sorted, cut from scratch or tucked and gussied up in the newly opened costume shop of the Glimmerglass Opera this week. Amanda May, the opera company’s production manager recently hired about 50 seasonal professionals needed to launch this landmark season in the opera’s 12-year history. Three of the costume specialists arrived on the scene May 18 to start the intensive job of preparing the millinery and costumes for Pirates of Penzance.
May 27, 1987

20 YEARS AGO
Cooperstown Central School graduate and now Lieutenant Colonel Patrick L. Fetterman, a battalion commander in the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army, is currently leading missions in Afghanistan to root out members of the Al Qaeda terrorist organization and the Taliban. Lee is the son of Diane and the late Pat Fetterman.
May 24, 2002